Canada Falls Lake

Key Species: brook trout Best Way to Fish: canoe Best Time to Fish: May and June MAG: 48, D-2 and D-3

Description: Canada Falls Lake is a sprawling, shallow 2,627-acre impoundment. A canoe is the most practical way to fish here, because of the proliferation of dead stumps and tree trunks known in Maine as “dri-ki.” Small motorboats are workable, but you must keep a sharp eye out for snags. A maintained campsite is located near the dam at the south end of the lake, close to the boat ramp. There are several special fishing regulations. From April 1 through August 15, the daily limit on trout is two fish, with a minimum length of 6 inches; only one trout may be longer than 12 inches. From August 16 through September 30, artificial lures only may be used, and the daily limit is one fish.

Fishing index: This remote lake is home to native brook trout and nothing else. Anglers here use bait and spinning gear, but fly fishing is the most productive method. The shallow, twisting nature of this lake makes it look like a huge beaver flowage. Dry flies and small bucktails work well here. Trout are pretty evenly spread out, but you should concentrate on the many points and on the mouths of small coves.

The best fishing is from late May through mid-June. After that, the shallow water becomes too warm for good fishing. The action can pick up again in September, during the artificials-only season. The huge area covered by this impoundment cannot be fished in one day, so you should plan to camp out for at least one night.

Directions: From Rockwood, on Moosehead Lake, head west on Maine Routes 15 and 6. Cross the Moose River in the Rockwood Strip. Follow the main road (unpaved) to the 20 Mile Gate. Watch for signs for 20 Mile Gate. Stop at 20 Mile Gate, register, and follow the signs to Canada Falls Lake. The road leads you to the campground and boat ramp.

For more information: Contact the Moosehead Lake Vacation and Sportsmen’s Association, or the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife Regional Office in Greenville.